Florida Winter Wedding

Today's wedding is absolutely gorgeous with the deep red hues and beautiful outdoor setting. I love how Ryan and Brianna's elegant and quirky style comes through in their big day. I'm especially smitten with their naked cake adorned with the darling topper.  And make sure you check out their favors that they purchased from Lowes! What a budget-savvy choice. Enjoy this winter wedding! xoxo, Jessica

Ryan + Brianna

October 15, 2016
Winter Garden, Fl  |  The Garden Chateau

What was your budget?

Photography: $2,000

Dress: $700

Catering: $2,100

Cake: $300

Favors: $115

Venue: $1650

Flowers: $800

Decor: $400

Groom’s attire: $100

Rentals: $1000

How many guests did you have?

We had 90 guests including the wedding party.

What creative or personal aspects did you include in your wedding?

We bought all of our china from different thrift stores over the course of our engagement. Each guest had a matching plate, salad plate, and bowl, but no one's matched their neighbors. It was elegant yet quirky, which seemed to end up as the theme of the wedding (and marriage).

We also had our dog, Sokka, with us the whole time. It wouldn't have been right without him.

Did you do any DIY projects or create any handmade items for your weddings?

We planted our wedding favors ourselves. It took a little time, but I think it ended up looking lovely, and they only cost about $1.25 per person!

We stained the birdhouse centerpieces ourselves (Mostly Ryan). It made them look cute and rustic, but they were only $5 from Michaels. We bought the floral rings around the birdhouses from Michaels and cut and glued them to the right size ourselves.

I also stained and painted the “Our Beginning” sign myself.

What was the biggest thing you did to save money?

I did lots and lots of research looking for vendors. There are wonderful and affordable ones out there, even in a big city like Orlando, you just have to find them.

What’s the best advice you have for planning your wedding now that you’re on the other side?

Give yourself plenty of time to plan and don't forget to say thank you to the amazing friends and family helping you make it happen.

What was your biggest splurge?

Our photographer, it's one of the only things you really get to keep and share from the wedding, and SO Photography was more than worth it.

What was your favorite detail?

I loved the pug cake toppers, my husband got them for me as a surprise from a gift shop in Albuquerque.

What is the most memorable moment of your day?

Taking photos… It wonderful alone time for me and Ryan before the ceremony, and we had so much fun goofing off with our wedding party during group photos.

VENDORS 

Photography: SO Photography • Venue: The Garden Chateau • Flowers: In Bloom Florist • Stationery: Basic Invite • Favors: Lowes • Catering: On the Go Gourmet • Bakery: Hilton's Gourmet Bakery • Rentals: Orlando Rentals • Linens: Amazon • DJ: JAMM Entertainment • Lighting: Amazon • Makeup and Hair Stylist: Ever After Hair and Makeup • Bridal Shop: David's Bridal • Shoes: SammyDress • Groom’s Suit: Macy's • Ties: Macy's • Men’s Shoes: Kohl's